Creamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake

This caramel apple cheesecake is a rich, layered dessert made with creamy cheesecake filling, a buttery graham cracker crust, and spiced Autumn Glory® apples. Baked until smooth and finished with warm caramel apples and a homemade caramel drizzle, it delivers a balance of sweet, tangy, and spiced flavors. The apples add a soft, caramelized texture that pairs perfectly with the velvety cheesecake, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or special occasions, this cheesecake is a standout recipe with classic flavor.

Ingredients

Cheesecake

• 32 ounces of room-temperature full-fat cream cheese
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 4 eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Apple Topping

• 2 Autumn Glory apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon caramel sauce
• Squeeze of lemon

Caramel

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 teaspoons unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup heavy cream

Crust

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ⅓ cup sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Caramel Diced Apples

• 1 Autumn Glory apple, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 tablespoon caramel

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a 9×13 casserole dish and fill it halfway up with water; place it on the bottom rack of the oven. This will create a steamy environment in the oven for the cheesecake and help it cook evenly.
2. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl until well combined. Pour into a non-stick 9-inch springform pan. Press the crust evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Bake for 5-10 minutes, then allow it to cool.
3. While the crust is baking, make the caramel by bringing sugar to a boil in a heavy-bottomed pot. Be sure to watch it, as it can quickly burn. Cook until the sugar has become a deep amber color. Remove from heat, then add the diced butter. Whisk in until thoroughly combined, then add in the heavy cream. Mix until thoroughly combined, set aside, and allow it to cool.
4. Peel, core, and dice one apple. Evenly layer the apples onto the crust and drizzle with caramel sauce. Set aside. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, being careful not to overmix. Add in vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon. Lastly, fold in the sour cream, then mix until thoroughly combined. Pour the batter into the springform pan. Bake for 65-75 minutes or until the sides are set, and the middle is slightly jiggly. Once the cheesecake is done, turn off the oven and let it sit in the oven for an additional 45 minutes. Remove from the oven, then allow it to cool on the counter for 30 minutes. Refrigerate until ready to serve, at least 3 hours.
5. Peel, core, and slice two apples. Place into a medium heavy-bottomed pot with cinnamon and lemon juice, and mix to combine. Cook until apples have softened, about 5 minutes. Add a tablespoon of caramel to the apples, then mix.
6. When ready to serve, release the cheesecake from the springform ring. Drizzle caramel sauce over the cheesecake, then spoon caramel apples over it. Drizzle the entire cheesecake with caramel sauce.
7. Enjoy!

Recipe created by Lenox Bakery for Superfresh Growers.